Well, tonight, after 40 years at KWTV, Oklahoma’s beloved Gary England graced our TV screens from behind the News9 weather desk as the chief meteorologist for the last time.
We have known for years the impact that Mr. England has had on the world of meteorology. I am sure he has shelves of awards to testify to it… But tonight, from one Oklahoma girl (and I am sure the rest of the state) I want to say thank you for the impact that you have had on all of our lives.
I, like many others born and raised in Oklahoma, have grown up with the trusted forecasting of the man I like to call “The Weather Pastor.” He has been more than a TV personality for most of us. Just like the person we would trust with our souls, we have looked to and trusted Mr. England with our lives. Thank you, sir.
I grew up knowing that on hot still days in late spring it would be a “jacket off” kind of night around the News9 station. On such nights, you could count on finding trusting Oklahomans gathered around their television sets tuned into the kind reassuring face of weather prediction. And when necessary, I can remember grabbing bike helmets and pillows and spending the night camped out in our small bathroom when Mr. England said it was going to be a night to remain “weather aware.” Thank you, sir.
Specifically, I can remember one afternoon when I was home alone after school, and the weather turned threatening. I turned on News9 because I knew Mr. England would tell me exactly what I needed to do…. And he did. He looked right into the TV and told me I was going to be alright… just like he did every time the cameras went live. He looked right into our homes and with calm assurance told us exactly what we needed to do to remain safe. Thank you, sir.
If you ask most adults who grew up in Oklahoma, among the titles of police officer and fire fighter, meteorologist topped the “what I want to be when I grow up” list… inspired by you, sir. I was one of those and went as far as touring the news9 weather studio and acquiring a signed photo with Mr. England… Because who wouldn’t want a signed copy of a real-life super hero? Thank you, sir.
I am sad that my children will not know the same kind of security that comes with seeing your face on the TV and hearing your reassuring voice come over the air… But I will tell them of the man who became more than an icon of Oklahoma weather. I will tell them about a man whose name is synonymous with devotion and security and who has saved more lives than could ever be counted. I will tell them about the man who became a legend in his own time and who will have a place in the hearts of Oklahomans forever.
So, on behalf of Oklahoma… Thank you, Mr. England, for your years of dedication to all of us. We owe you a lifetime of gratitude.
Photo Credit News9.com
